SwiftKey 4.3 exits beta, launches on Google Play as free update

Following the completion of the beta program, SwiftKey 4.3 has reached stable status and has launched as a free update on the Google Play Store. The latest version of the popular keyboard app introduces three new layouts to make typing easier on phones of all sizes — particularly larger models like the Galaxy Note 3 and HTC One Max. Dubbed "Layouts for Living," the new full, compact and thumb keyboard layouts can be undocked and moved around the screen — particularly useful for larger phones and tablets.

The new version of SwiftKey also introduces a Canadian English option, bringing the number of supported languages up to 61. And to celebrate today's launch, SwiftKey is half-price in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, Russia and New Zealand.

Check out our hands-on video after the break, or hit the Google Play link above to grab the new version.

Hands-on with SwiftKey 4.3

Press Release

Layouts for Living transforms your SwiftKey typing experience

SwiftKey 4.3 released in Google Play after successful beta

Three custom keyboard modes to adapt to any situation

Canadian English language model added

San Francisco, CA, November 6, 2013 — SwiftKey, the leading Android keyboard app, today releases ‘Layouts for Living’, its latest update in Google Play. SwiftKey 4.3 provides users with new keyboard layouts that can be resized and moved anywhere on a device, empowering people to type however they want to, regardless of screen size.

This update also introduces a Canadian English language model for the first time. It ensures predictions are more relevant than ever for SwiftKey users in Canada - it understands local place names and personalities, for example, it understands Canadian users who type “Stephen” will be more likely than American English users to be talking about Prime Minister Stephen Harper than author Stephen King.

SwiftKey is currently 50% off in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, Russia and New Zealand as part of Google’s Autumn promotion.

SwiftKey Layouts for Living introduces three new keyboard modes which can be undocked, moved and resized. This recognizes there is an increasing lack of distinction between the phone and tablet form factor and users want more flexibility when they type. The update follows a beta period with testing by our 100,000-strong VIP community.

SwiftKey co-founder and CTO Ben Medlock said: “Layouts for Living makes it easier and more comfortable to type, whatever you're using and whatever you're doing. The choice is yours - your SwiftKey, your way. We received an overwhelmingly positive response from our beta testers and we're excited to bring SwiftKey 4.3 to all our users.”

In addition to being able to size and place the keyboard anywhere on the device, version 4.3 of SwiftKey also includes three preset keyboard modes:

Compact: On many larger phones it can be difficult to enter text and hold the phone with just one hand. This new feature minimizes the width of the keyboard and allows for easier typing with one hand or gesture typing using SwiftKey Flow. It also frees up more of the screen estate on tablets.
Full: Users with large screens can now opt for a full-width keyboard with left-right cursor control keys and a backspace key above the “Enter” key. By placing the keys closer together, this new layout mimics the experience of two-handed typing on a physical keyboard.
Thumb: For people typing on tablets in landscape and with wide phones in portrait the keyboard can be split into two sections, enabling fast, comfortable typing with both thumbs.

Consistent Experience
As devices of varying sizes continue to enter the market and the line between tablets and phones blur, a consistent SwiftKey experience is an ongoing priority for our fans. Responding to fan feedback, SwiftKey has merged the phone and tablet apps to give a seamless experience across all device sizes.

With SwiftKey Layouts for Living, current and future customers can use one unified SwiftKey app across all Android devices. Leveraging SwiftKey Cloud, which was introduced in SwiftKey 4.2, the app also creates a cloud-based hub for each user’s personal language profile to be shared with any phone or device. SwiftKey Layouts for Living offers a beautiful user experience for all users, across all of their devices no matter the screen size.

The latest version of SwiftKey is available for trial or purchase by new users and as a free update for existing users from today. SwiftKey is available for download from Google Play, Amazon App Store and Android PIT.